ATTACHMENT DESIGN MANUAL 1

VA

U.S. Department
of Veterans Affairs
Office of Construction &
Facilities Management

Steam, Heating Hot Water, and
Outside Distribution Systems

design manual
July 1, 2026
Volume 2

WATER BOILERS

(Hot Water Generating Systems)

Steam, Heating Hot Water, and
Outside Distribution Systems Design Manual
July 1, 2026

Volume 2

WATER BOILERS

(Hot Water Generating Systems)

Water Boilers

Volume 2

Steam, Heating Hot Water, and
Outside Distribution Systems Design Manual
July 1, 2026

(Blank page)

Water Boilers

Volume 2

Steam, Heating Hot Water, and
Outside Distribution Systems Design Manual
July 1, 2026

Volume 2

WATER BOILERS

(Hot Water Generating Systems)
1.0

2.0

3.0

4.0

5.0

6.0

7.0

8.0

9.0

10.0

11.0

12.0

13.0

14.0

15.0

16.0

Water Boilers

Volume 2 / Page 1

Steam, Heating Hot Water, and
Outside Distribution Systems Design Manual
July 1, 2026

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Water Boilers

Volume 2 / Page 2

Steam, Heating Hot Water, and
Outside Distribution Systems Design Manual
July 1, 2026

1.0 DESIGN PARAMETERS/REQUIREMENTS

1.1

Requirements:
1.1.1

1.1.2
1.1.3

This volume of the design manual establishes VA requirements on the quantity, capacity, arrangement, and standby capability of the boilers and auxiliary equipment used to generate heating hot water for heating and environments control. It applies to the design of new hot water boiler (boiler), hot water boiler replacement, and modification of existing hot water boiler(s), in all climates. The requirements of this manual shall apply to all boilers whether they are centralized or decentralized systems.
Decentralized systems shall comply with all the equipment requirements defined herein however the following elements shall only be required for mission critical, hospitals, CLCs and inpatient facilities.
1.1.3.1 The system shall be capable of supplying the maximum capacity with the largest boiler not operating, and with the largest pump of each service not operating (N+1 capacity)
1.1.3.2 Dual fuel capability with appropriate reserve capacity

1.1.3.3 Emergency generator power requirements

1.1.4

1.1.5

1.2

Load Determination Capacity Calculations:
1.2.1

1.3

Boilers and associated equipment central and decentralized shall be located in a secure, conditioned, and protected building and shall provide the appropriate security and weather protection in all climates. Additionally, the building/rooms shall be equipment with combustible gas and CO monitoring that alarms locally as well as reports to a central location that is continuously monitored.